Stop The Noise

It's August 15th and I'm returning from my "unplugged" status of the past 14 days. I've heard of the severe withdrawals people go through when coming off drug & alcohol addictions. I'm not sure my process has been nearly that severe but I must admit, stopping the noise in my life has proven to be harder than most would think. The noise is everywhere; life has become so noisy that it often drowns out the voice of God.

What happens when you stop the noise? Well, I played games with the kids, went for more walks with my wife, read an entire book in 7 days (big deal for me), completed the New Testament for my second time this year, and most importantly I heard God speaking more clearly than before. It's not like he ever stopped speaking, it's just that God's volume level stays the same while the noise of life seems to get louder and louder.

This experience has enlightened us to some permanent changes we need to make to ensure that the noise level doesn't get that high again. TV, movies, music, internet, and social media are all good things, but I'm looking for the great things of God. Does that mean I'm quitting cold turkey? No. But it does mean that I'm putting limits & boundaries on these things. I am deciding to turn my ear to those things which are most important; God, wife, kids, etc. (in that order). When life stinks, CSI isn't going to help me. If I need advice, Survivor isn't going to give it to me.

Let me encourage you, stop some of the noise in your life and watch how you begin to hear the gentle voice of God more clearly in your life.

Have a GREAT week!

(Our family will be gone the next few weeks on vacation. We appreciate your prayers!)